Christine Studios

The Engagement of Jennifer and Tim

Gary — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:47:16 +0000

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Jennifer for many years, working on various projects for her company. When she recently asked if I would photograph her wedding, I was really excited as I’ve built up an incredible amount of respect and admiration for the work she does.

When Jen and Tim came to the studio to talk about their wedding, I was blown away by Tim’s proposal story. Sorry to all my other grooms but I doubt anyone will beat Tim’s planning and execution (but total lack of backup plan). Jen’s job enables them to have unprecedented access to among many things, the New Year’s Eve Celebration in Time Square. Having enjoyed being practically under the dropping ball the year before, Tim decided this year, he would propose at the stroke of midnight, right under the ball. Well, not to blow all of Tim’s secrets, there were some concerns up to the very last minute on not getting to their special access area in time. With just a few minutes to spare, they got in and at the stroke of midnight, as everyone including Jen was looking up at the ball, Tim got down on one knee, in the midst of a million people, anxiously took out the ring and waited for Jen to notice. My favorite part of the story was Jen looked side to side couldn’t find Tim for a midnight kiss and never thought to look down where he was waiting with ring in hand.

For the engagement session in New York City, we visited many great spots up and down Central Park, but this session could not be complete without an image recreating this amazing story together.

Don’t forgot to click on the link at the end of the slideshow or at the bottom of this post to view the FULL GALLERY

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The Engagement of Liz and Josh

Gary — Tue, 01 May 2012 01:13:56 +0000

There are some times when I become absolutely addicted to taking photos. When they can’t pry my hands off the camera. Oh you can try all you want but not even the setting sun could get me to stop! That was the case this past Saturday when I joined Liz and Josh for their Engagement Session. I know it’s going to be an amazing session when a few factors come together. (1) two amazingly sweet and in love, photogenic people (2) they are so into their session, they come prepared with props and ideas from Pinterest (3) Full, unrestricted access to an exclusive and empty golf course (4) Beautiful weather.
I guess the only bad part was when Liz took our her Red Sox hat and wanted to include in in the session. I guess nothing can be perfect (wink, wink).
Driving around exploring all the awesome spots of the golf course, we drove past an old rusted out truck and with such a sense or urgency, I said “OMG we have to stop here!!”. I could have stayed at the spot all day but by midnight, Christine would have wondered why I wasn’t home yet. Seriously though, the ruggedness of the truck balanced out by the elegant beauty of Liz and confidence of Josh.
I really couldn’t wait to share these images and after having such a great time for the engagement session, I can’t wait to see what props and ideas from Pinterest that Liz brings to the wedding!

Don’t forgot to click on the link at the end of the slideshow or at the bottom of this post to view the FULL GALLERY

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The Wedding of Julia and Tom

Gary — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:48:38 +0000

I met Julia and Tom…..well, actually on the day of their wedding. Residing in Falls Church, VA and having recently built an amazing home together in North Carolina, we had communicated everything about their intimate wedding all via phone and email. Julia contacted me via a mutual friend who she works with and when I heard the words “historic, pre-civil war farm house”, I knew I HAD to be there rain or shine. Well, we got the rain! Originally planned for a beautiful outdoor ceremony on the grounds of this historic farm house, last minute changes forced the ceremony inside into a small parlor room in the farm house. But that didn’t stop Tom’s look-a-like from making an appearance. Tom, who has an uncanny resemblance to Hugh Laurie, the actor who plays Dr. House, planned a little surprise for his bride as she entered.. There, standing not a foot away from her as she entered the room to see Tom for the first time, was a life-size cardboard cutout of Dr. House looking on. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bride stop in her tracks and crack up so much at that most (usually) stressful moment.

The minute I walked into the Cherry Hill Farm House, I saw this amazingly old wooden staircase, and knew exactly what photo I wanted to take with Julia and Tom. I could tell as I positioned them on to the stairs that they were whispering to each other, “WTF is he doing?” But I knew that we were about to capture a photo that would be displayed in their new home and in their family forever.

A quick run in the rain to the waiting Rolls Royce limo and off to their reception. At their intimate reception, my favorite moment had to be the amazingly warm toast given by Julia’s father, an incredibly decorated, retired US Air Force Colonel. And the funniest moments…. well it’s a tie between “feeding” each other cake and Tom’s attempt at finding the grader. Check out Julia’s reaction to both and you be the judge.

Please enjoy a preview of all your wonderful wedding images.

Hair/Makeup: Perfect Endings Day Spa - Falls Church, VA
(additional) : Pins and Curls Hair and Nail Salon - Occoquan, VA
Florist: Twin Towers Florist – Arlington, VA
Entertainment: The DJ Connection - Northern, VA
Ceremony: Cherry Hill Farm House – Falls Church, VA
Reception: Italian Cafe – Falls Church, VA

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The Engagement of Melissa and Joe

Gary — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:28:03 +0000

They say that in real-estate, the three most important things are location, location, location. After Melissa and Joe’s engagement session, I just might swap photography for real-estate in that expression.
After never knowing that the Kensico Dam even exists, I find myself back at this incredible location for the second time in a month for an engagement session. But what made the location even more unique this time was the unprecedented access we had thanks to Joe’s connections as a police officer to the New York State D.E.P.
After exploring and taking so many wonderful images of this loving couple at all the public areas of the park around the damn, we got back in their car and drove up a very unassuming road. We got to the top of the hill and stopped in front of the huge steel door at the security checkpoint. Joe confidently walked up to the checkpoint and within a few seconds, the security barrier opens like the gates to Emerald City.
We parked the car and walked out to the very center of the dam, looking down over 300 feet above everyone below in the park. Aside from the fact we were up so high on the dam, we were also on a road that is closed to all traffic. Throwing away all the warnings my mother ever gave me about playing in traffic, I just had to lay down with my lens and my face directly on the double yellow line to capture one of my all time favorite images.

There is respect and then there is RESPECT! I can’t say enough about the respect I have for both Joe and Melissa. For Joe, not only the years of service as a police officer but Joe also proudly serves our nation as a US Marine. Melissa, not only an incredible and caring teacher but she is the glue on the home front of this proud military family.

I’m truly honored to have met Joe and Melissa and can’t wait to share theses images of two people who are so crazy for each other.

Don’t forgot to click on the link at the bottom of this post to view the FULL GALLERY
 Kensico Dam – Valhalla, NY

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The Engagement of Debbie and Vinnie

Gary — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:56:49 +0000

I met Debbie and Vinnie at Kensico Dam in Westchester for their engagment sessions. It was my first time being there, I never knew that such an impressive spot was basically in my backyard! I guess I should get my culture from other places then Family Guy reruns.We met Debbie and Vinnie at a Bridal Expo in January. We meet so many couples at the bridal expos, but there’s always a few couples that just stick out and one was definitely Debbie and Vinnie. At our first meeting together I just knew that anytime I was scheduled to meet with them I had to add extra time for all the jokes and laughter time! They are such a great couple, fun to be around and a very natural couple! Vinnie is the friend you just want to be around, but just not in public! Just kidding Vinnie! Constant jokes, movie quotes and makes us all click right away and have a great timeWe had an absolutely perfect day at Kensico Dam. The weather was just right to capture awesome clouds over the dam. The sun was so bright that I actually had to use Vinnie as my assistant to hold up a jacket to block the harsh sun in a beautiful portrait of Debbie. (See picture below) What an amazing smile Debbie has, and her eyes are simply amazing. She was able to master the look of not smiling, which is the hardest look for a woman to do and she did it with such emotion! It was amazing!The funniest moment was when I started to give Vinnie a complex because I kept saying, “Vinnie you’re perfect” and then moving Debbie into different positions. Note to self, do not give Vinnie a complex! There were so many great moments throughout the day, and anyone who is facebook friends with this couple can see instantly how in love they are, and how well they interact with each other and all of their family and friends.

I truly cannot wait for their wedding to take beautiful portraits of Debbie in her wedding gown and to see how ‘perfect’ Vinnie can be that day.

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Maternity Portraits: Heather

Gary — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:57:27 +0000

I’ve known the lovely Heather for several years and were so incredibly excited to hear the news that she was pregnant. You might recognize the dad-to-be as the awesome DJ Andrew from Enriquez Entertainment. Doing a maternity portrait session in their home, in the nursery where their little angel will soon sleep, is so emotional for all. They have no idea the joys that they’ll soon experience with their little girl and how treasured these images will be. Heather had some great ideas that she found on Pinterest so we started there and added my own flare. Not to be forgotten, we had to include their current children, their cute dogs, “DJ Lincoln” and “DJ Jake”, each sportin’ dad’s new Pioneer headphones!

Congratulations Heather and Andrew! We can’t wait to meet “Sophia Enriquez”!

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9/11 Memorial Photo Shoot

Gary — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:49:44 +0000

Every time I’m asked to photograph someone or something, I feel it’s such an honor to be chosen. It’s like a successful job interview each time. But there are sometimes where the honor goes beyond anything I’ve ever done before. This was certainly the case a few weeks ago when I was asked to photograph an incredible project with the WTC Tribute Center and 9/11 Family Association.

The WTC Tribute Center sits on Liberty Street, just south of what was the South Tower of the World Trade Center.. The Tribute Center is not just a museum but also runs daily guided tours on the 9/11 Memorial Plaza.

The Tribute Center is undergoing a “face lift” of it’s exterior facade to help in notifying people of the guided tours. Last week I had the honor of photographing the images that will be displayed larger then life on the facade of the building. Adding to the honor of this photo shoot, I got to work side-by-side with the architect behind the new design, Danny Forster. Not only a brilliant young Architect, Danny Forster is also the host of the Discovery Channels hit show “Built It Bigger”. Having been a fan of this show for years, working with Danny, having him art direct the shoot, was a huge thrill!

While all the final images have not yet been released publicly, one image was immediately. The day after the shoot, I received a call asking for one image taken on the 9/11 Memorial Plaza to be featured on their official site. (see the page here)

Once the redesign is complete, I will post photos of the actual facade featuring my images. Until then, please enjoy a few behind the scenes images taken by my 2nd photographer Rachel and the one photo released pubically.

A huge thank you again to the WTC Tribute Center and 9/11 Family Association for this honor.

Tribute WTC Visitor Center

9/11 Memorial (published image with photo credit)

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Valentine’s Day at Rolling Greens

Gary — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 06:37:39 +0000

Once again, I had a wonderful Valentine’s Day with the amazing people of the Bonura Hospitality Group and the non-stop music from the one and only Andrew of Enriquez Entertainment.
This year, we were doing our complimentary portraits at the beautiful Rolling Greens.

If you had your portrait taken and have not yet tagged yourself on Facebook, you can CLICK HERE to go directly to our facebook page and view the gallery. Remember to “LIKE” Chrisitne Studios to be able to tag.

We’d like to offer everyone the opportunity to download the full resolution image. Please CLICK HERE to access the full online gallery.

Thanks again to everyone who particiapted and had a great time with their portrait!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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The Engagement of Kate and Tyler

Gary — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 03:08:36 +0000

When I walked up to the Poughkeepsie train station with camera gear in tow, I was meeting Kate and Tyler in person for the first time. After several phone calls and “meeting” each other via Skype, I was looking forward to finally meeting them and take their engagement photos.
Although there is probably feet of snow back in Maine where Kate and Tyler call home, we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day.
After moving around the station, stopping at a few spots, getting all the nervousness out, we found a really awesome spot, tucked under the stairs at the very far end of the platform. It was at this spot, Kate and Tyler really opened up and let their love and personalities shine. It was here where Kate confessed that she hoped her posing was coming out the way I was instructing because she “felt like a broken toy that you just couldn’t move the way you wanted”. HAHAHA Seriously! Kate, not to worry, I think everyone will agree you looked amazing!
After moving around the train station, we took a quick drive down the road to the waterfront park. To my surprise, one tree remained with golden fall foliage and we took full advantage.
I had an awesome time with Kate and Tyler and can’t wait for your wedding this May.

Don’t forgot to click on the link at the bottom of this post to view the FULL GALLERY
Poughkeepsie Train Station – Poughkeepsie, NY

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The Engagement of Laura and Alan

Gary — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:06:05 +0000

I absolutely LOVE when couples come to either an engagement session or even their wedding with ideas and even props. What a better prop to bring to a Saturday morning engagement session then wine from the Napa Valley. We started our session with some nice “warm up” locations all while watching the clock, counting down the minutes until the clock struck noon.. C’mon they had to at least wait until noon to drink (illegally at a state park, btw.. shhhhhh). But it became apparent that Laura and Alan didn’t need any time to warm up to the camera. By profession, Alan being a man from my side of camera, I expected some hesitation or nervousness but I learned a great lesson.. Aussie’s don’t need warm ups!! The two of them just seamed so natural and comfortable together. I always try to keep my direction to a minimum and just let people be themselves and that’s exactly what I captured..
Two people in love with each other (and their wine), enjoying an absolutely beautiful fall morning together.
And I need to publicly give some serious credit to Laura for some of the stunning poses she held. Anyone who thinks that sitting on a park bench, supporting your weight on your elbow all while turning your hips like a zillion degrees, should try it now and see if you can hold it as long as Laura and look as beautiful as she did. I know a woman held the pose perfectly in two ways.. First, you can see the elegance right away in the image.. The second is when she tells me via Facebook the next day how sore she is. lol (sorry Laura, I had to). I think everyone will agree that it was worth the workout and that Laura looked absolutely stunning.
Laura and Alan, keep the smiles, the laughs and the wine coming!! Can’t wait for your wedding next year!

Don’t forget to click on the link at the bottom of this post to view their full and complete online gallery.

Rockland Lake State Park- Valley Cottage, NY

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